15-year-old missing

ShaRonda, a Monroe High School student, has been missing since Monday, Sept. 12. ShaRonda has been known to run away from home; still, anyone found harboring her could face criminal charges, police say.

Anyone who has information regarding ShaRonda should call Albany police at 431-2132.

Albany police re-certified

The Albany Police Department passed the muster of an assessment team that were on site Sept. 15-16 at the Law Enforcement Center.

On both days, the assessors conducted an extensive review of the procedures and policies as well as the safety and security measures that are in place at the Police Department. At the conclusion of their visit, the team determined the department was in full compliance with the 116 standards set by the Agency Certification Program of the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police.

The Agency Certification Program of the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police has identified standards that are felt to be essential to the efficient and effective operation of law enforcement agencies. Participating agencies are expected to implement all applicable standards. Some standards do not apply to all agencies, and waivers may be obtained in exceptional circumstances.

The standards provide a detailed blueprint for professional enforcement. They are credible, realistic, flexible, and effective. They also incorporate contemporary professional thought and practice in the State, and will insure the goal of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Georgia law enforcement agencies.

For additional information regarding the state certification process, visit www.gachiefs.com/statecertification/index.htm

Bishop decries plans to close post offices

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr. has co-signed a bipartisan letter from members of the U.S. House of Representatives to Postal Regulatory Chairwoman Ruth Goldway expressing their concerns that the potential closure of approximately 3,700 postal facilities nationwide will disproportionately harm rural communities, small businesses and seniors.

The letter recommends using some of the $50-$75 billion that Postal Service employees and customers have overpaid to the U.S. Treasury during the last 30 to help address some of the agency’s solvency issues.

“Thousands of working families, entrepreneurs, seniors and veterans in southwest Georgia heavily rely on the services provided by our nation’s Postal Service,” Bishop said. “The widespread closure of postal facilities in our rural communities has the potential to adversely impact our region’s economic development and possibly impair the ability of Georgia businesses to fully utilize their inter-state commerce capabilities.”